Adjustable-Clearance Transmission With T-Shaped Tooth Meshing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic joint transmissions and multi-axis CNC machine tools face challenges with high manufacturing costs, complex structures, and limited adjustability, leading to increased transmission clearance due to wear, which results in premature failure.
Innovation Solution
A transmission design featuring an outer and inner shell, drive disk, T-shaped teeth, gear, adjustable nut, and sealing rings, allowing for adjustable transmission clearance through the rotation of the adjustable nut, which reduces wear and improves manufacturing accuracy by enabling self-running-in and compensation for wear over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If RV cycloidal gear transmission is used, then transmission precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission is divided into modular components: outer shell, inner shell, drive disk, gear, adjustable nut, and sealing rings. Each component is independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining high transmission precision through precise interfacing of segmented parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable nut serves multiple functions: it adjusts the transmission clearance, preloads the ball bearings, and compensates for wear over time. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall structure while achieving high precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If RV cycloidal gear transmission is used, then transmission precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the transmission into standardized modules (outer shell, inner shell, drive disk, gear, adjustable nut), each component can be manufactured using conventional machining processes, reducing the need for expensive specialized manufacturing while maintaining high precision through precise assembly interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable nut enables self-adjustment of transmission clearance and preload, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or frequent manual intervention. This self-service capability reduces maintenance costs and extends service life without requiring expensive specialized components.
3Device complexity
If transmission clearance is not adjustable, then structure is simplified, but transmission precision deteriorates over time due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable nut transforms the static transmission clearance into a dynamic parameter that can be adjusted during operation. This allows the clearance to be optimized for different operating conditions and compensated for wear, maintaining high transmission precision without requiring an overly complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable nut enables change in the transmission clearance parameter and ball preload parameter. By adjusting these parameters, the transmission can adapt to wear over time and maintain optimal performance, bridging the gap between structural simplicity and sustained precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flexible gear transmission is used, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to shorter component life
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission employs spherical ball bearings and curved raceways instead of flexible gear components. This spherical geometry provides smooth motion, reduces stress concentrations, and eliminates the fatigue issues associated with flexible gears, thereby improving reliability and component life while maintaining adaptability through the adjustable clearance mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a low-backlash, long-lasting transmission with high mechanical properties, reducing manufacturing costs and extending service life by allowing for adjustable clearance and improved accuracy through self-running-in, while maintaining a compact and simple structure.
Implementation Method 1
An upper part of the outer shell (1) is provided with a thread, the thread fits the adjustable nut (7)... transmission clearance of all transmission components in the transmission is capable of being adjusted by rotating the adjustable nut (7)
Implementation Method 2
a ball raceway is formed on an outside of a middle part of the drive disk (3) to fit the balls (8)... an outside of a lower part of the gear (5) fits the third sealing ring (16)... rollers (13)... a lower part of the outer shell (1) is provided with a roller raceway fitting the rollers (13)
Implementation Method 3
An upper part of the inner shell (2) fits the second sealing ring (15)... An upper part of the drive disk (3) fits the first sealing ring (14) and the second sealing ring (15)... an outside of a lower part of the gear (5) fits the third sealing ring (16)
Implementation Method 4
a lower end part of the T-shaped tooth (4) is a tooth with a cylindrical spiral surface, which meshes with the gear (5)... The gear (5) has teeth with cylindrical spiral surface, which meshes with the T-shaped teeth (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission, including an outer shell (1), an inner shell (2), a drive disk (3), a plurality of T-shaped teeth (4), a gear (5), a tooth seat (6), an adjustable nut (7), balls (8), inner balls (9), outer balls (10), an inner protective frame (11), an outer protective frame (12), rollers (13), a first sealing ring (14), a second sealing ring (15) and a third sealing ring (16). Transmission clearance can be adjusted freely at any time, the meshing of the T-shaped tooth and the gear is a real surface meshing, and almost all the teeth participate in force transmission simultaneously. Therefore, the transmission has high precision, high mechanical properties, and long service life.